International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge has further angered the widows of the 11 Israeli victims of the Munich massacre, after agreeing to address an Israeli embassy-organised memorial service in London.
Rogge came under fire previously for repeatedly refusing to heed calls from the widows of the slain Olympians, as well as much of the international community, to include a minute’s silence honouring the 40th anniversary of the tragedy in official proceedings at the London Games.
Despite having insisted the IOC had commemorated the terrorist atrocity by Palestinian group Black September during the 1972 Games, it was announced Tuesday Rogge would address a planned ceremony by the Olympic Committee of Israel, the Israeli Embassy in London and cross-communal British group the Jewish Committee for the London Games on August 6, to the outrage of victims’ families.
“If the Israeli Embassy and London Jewish Community were not organising it, he would not have any memorial to go to, ranged Ankie Spitzer, widow of slain Israeli fencing coach Andre Spitzer, and sponsor of the original petition to the IOC that sparked international reaction.
“If they can’t do the right thing at home, in the Olympic ceremony, why come?”, she continued.
Dignitaries expected to attend Monday’s service will include British Prime Minister David Cameron, who will also address the gathering, as well as London mayor Boris Johnson, who previously declared his support for the appeals for a minute’s silence at the Games. A message of support will also be relayed from Charles, Prince of Wales and international delegates from participating Olympic nations will be present.
Israel’s official representative will be Sports Minister Limor Livnat, who also attended the Opening Ceremony of the London Games on Friday in place of the absent President Shimon Peres, sporting a black ribbon on her arm in tribute to the victims and observing her own minute of silence during Rogge’s opening address.